Start Now - Eligibility and Timing

Eligibility Requirements

Established with the support of Charles H. Whiteman, Dean of the Smeal College, and Felisa Preciado-Higgins, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, the following policy applies to eligibility of pre-Smeal and Smeal students who seek to elect a semester of education abroad as part of the PSU experience. This policy applies to all students planning a Smeal business major. There are no exceptions. -- Jeffrey M. Sharp, Associate Dean for International Programs

Beginning fall 2016 and thereafter, credits earned abroad during fall or spring semester at a non-PSU program will not be accepted toward any Smeal degree requirements including general education and electives. Credits toward Smeal majors will be accepted from programs on the full list of Penn State Education Abroad Office programs. Candidates for the International Business Minor must attend a program on the Choosing a Program list.

Semester Abroad

Students that are planning for a Smeal major (BA and DUS) must complete MGMT 301, MKTG 301 and FIN 301 and be in their major before they leave for a fall or spring semester program. Minimum GPAs and other prerequisite courses are required for some programs.Penn State World Campus is NOT a Penn State Study Abroad program.Please read this brochure for a better understanding of the differences.

Summer Abroad

Summer study abroad programs are possible to attend earlier in the academic career, but careful attention must be paid to required "class standing" and any course requirements listed for a summer program.

Spring - May 1 Priority Application Deadline

The first priority application deadline is May 1st. If programs fill at this date they will be closed to applicants in later application cycles. Final deadline for application is September 15th. We highly recommend students submit all materials by May 1st.

Summer - February 1

The Summer deadline for all PSU-approved programs is February 1st.

Timeline

Careful planning to include an educational experience abroad from the first year at Penn State will contribute to a timely graduation.

First Year

Tell your Smeal or DUS Adviser if you want to study abroad and they will help you reserve course requirements to complete abroad. Consider a summer study abroad program as many are open to students completing their first year at Penn State.

Sophomore Year

Set goals, research programs, review course offerings and decide which semester to study abroad. Then, apply by the program deadline; many deadlines are almost a year in advance of departure.

Junior Year

Plan specific courses to take abroad with your Smeal Adviser and your advisers for any minors. Complete minor applications and get department permission if you want to take any courses abroad for the minor. Save syllabi from all courses taken abroad.

Senior Year

Share your experiences with other students and get your course equivalency paperwork completed so courses may be placed into your degree audit for your major and any minors.